Bishop Ian Douglas of Connecticut and Bishop Eugene Sutton of Maryland, two co-founders of Bishops United Against Gun Violence, will co-lead a free, online learning class, "A Christian Response to Gun Violence." It will available to watch online anytime from September 14-28. The "Big Class," as it's called, is open to anyone in the world. It is a production of churchnext.tv with financial support from the Episcopal Church in Connecticut, Bishops United Against Gun Violence, and other sponsors.The class is designed to spur thought, conversation, and action around the issue of gun violence.

The class can be taken by taken by individuals or groups. It consists of four videos, from 5-7 minutes each, and offers questions for reflection and/or discussion following each. It takes the average learner about 45 minutes to complete the Big Class. Churches can organize and promote the class using churchnext resources including a press release, flyer, bulletin inserts, and a launch plan.

The four video presentations include:

The Unholy Trinity with Eugene Sutton

Violence and the Bible with Eugene Sutton

A Theology for Challenging Gun Violence with Ian Douglas

Christian Responsibility with Ian Douglas

Register on this page now and you'll be reminded by email when the class is live and available to take. The linked page includes all the details you'll need.

"This course is not about repealing the Second Amendment," says Bishop Eugene Sutton. "It's about examining the roots, causes, reality, and our response to our increasingly violent and tragic age, and offering ways for Christians to take action."

"...our nation continues to be wracked by senseless gun violence. We in Connecticut know the pain and suffering caused by the killing of innocent victims. This madness has got to stop. We ask you to continue your efforts to end gun violence in our society and to work for harmony, understanding, and justice in the face of racism and hate in our world."

-- Bishop Ian Douglas and Bishop Laura Ahrens, in their letter to Episcopalians in Connecticut following the June 2015 shootings in Charleston SC.

Photos: Left, a mother who lost a son to gun violence in Hartford and rIght, a young woman who lost a sister to gun violence in Sandy Hook. Both hold photos of their loved ones. Photos by Marc Yves Regis.